WHO IS JESUS? The early years. There is not to much recorded about the early years of Jesus from birth to the start of His ministry. Where was Jesus during this time period? Well, according to Luke 2:42, Jesus was 12 years old when he was teaching in the temple. Then, according to many scholars, as a teen, Jesus traveled around Glastonbury England (a seaport in the Roman era), with his uncle Joseph of Arimatheia, who was a legal guardian of Jesus. Joseph was a rich merchant with a large fleet of ships that ran the tin trade for the Roman Empire, between England and the Mediterranean. Joseph of Arimatheia was better know as "the tin man." No, not the one from the wizard of Oz. It has been said that Jesus was seen on the bow of the boat when they would come to port. Many believe Jesus went to other countries during his young adult life, but there is no positive proof to confirm this. We all know Jesus was a carpenter by trade, but I believe he could do whatever he wanted to do. When Jesus was around 30 years of age, just before He started His ministry, He came to John the Baptist who would soon baptize Him in the Jordan river. (Matthew 3:13-17). With that being said, lets take a look at scripture that confirms who Jesus really is.

Jesus is the Son of God. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6). Let's break this verse down and see who Jesus really is. A child is born. (Isaiah 7:14, Luke 1:35, 2:11). A Son is given. (John 3:16-17). It will be His government. (Isaiah 22:22, Jeremiah 23:5-6, Zechariah 6:12-13, 9:9-10, Matthew 28:18, Revelation 19:16). He will be called wonderful. (Isaiah 9:6). He will be our Counselor. (Isaiah 28:29, Zachariah 6:13, Luke 21:15, 1 Corinthians 1:30). He is a mighty God. (Psalm 45:3, Jeremiah 23:5-6). He is an everlasting (eternal) Father. (Proverbs 8:23), who destroyed death (Hebrews 2:13-14). He is our Prince of Peace. (John 14:27, Acts 10:36, Romans 5:1, Hebrews 13:20).

Jesus is the Word. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1). In the beginning (of the ages), was the Word (already pre-existent), and the Word (Christ), was with God, and the Word was God. Here "ages" refers to "eons," millions of years ago before anything existed. The Word (Logos), as well as the worlds were prepared by Him. (Hebrews 1:2, 11:3). However, the Word had no beginning. (1 John 1:1). We have seen and touched the Word of Life, Jesus Christ who was from the beginning. (Christ was the Word in the beginning).

He is one of us. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. (John 1:14). The Word (Jesus Christ), became human and made His home among us. "Emmanuel, God with us." (Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:20-23). He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. (1 Timothy 1:14-16). We beheld His Glory. "The Shekinah Glory." (Luke 9:32, 2 Peter 1:17). "This is my beloved Son," who brings me great joy.

Jesus is the good shepherd. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. (John 10:11). The "Good Shepherd" (Jesus Christ), sacrifices His "life" (soul), for the "sheep" (His children). This is connected with death, and (Psalms 22). The "great Shepherd" is connected with the resurrection. (Hebrews 13:20, Psalms 23). The "Chief Shepherd" with glory (1 Peter 5:4, Psalms 24). Jesus is the door. Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. (John 10:7). Jesus told them: "I am the gate (the door), of the sheep, not of the sheepfold." Christ is that "Door" that we must enter and pass through as He calls to us. If He does not call, knock on the door and He will answer. (Luke 11:9-10). Hear His voice. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. (John 10:27). True Christians and children of God will listen, learn, follow, and lead. And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. (John 10:28). When you follow Jesus you will have eternal life.

He is a miracle worker. Probably the most well know and first recorded miracle that Jesus performed was when He turned water into wine. And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. (John 2:6). Nearby were six stone water jars, used for Jewish ceremonial washing. Each could hold twenty to thirty gallons. The Jews regarded themselves ceremonially unclean if they did not wash both before and after eating. These pots were not drinking water pots, but many scholars believe that Jesus only picked these pots because they would hold a large supply of water. I believe there is a deeper meaning here.  Jesus could have had any of the empty wine jugs filled with water and used them. However, I believe that He used these ceremonial washing pots symbolically to show that they would no longer be needed for washing after His crucifixion. It would be His shed blood that would do the spiritual cleansing of the soul for all that come to repentance of their sins. "Cleansing for the sins of the world." (Hebrews 10:22). We can go into the very presence of God with sincere hearts as believers. Fully trusting Him, because our guilty consciences have been sprinkled clean with the blood of Christ, and washed (baptized), with pure water. (Matthew 3:11, Ephesians 5:26, 1 Peter 3:21). This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him. (John 2:11). This would be the first time that Jesus revealed His glory with this miraculous sign. And His disciples believed in Him. (This is the key to the signification of the eight miracles of this Gospel, and John has laid them out for us as signs).

Jesus performed many miracles. The Roman Centurion. (Matthew 8:5-13). Cast the demons into swine. (Matthew 8:28-32). Jesus walked on water. (Matthew 14:25-27). Jesus feeds the 10,000 in the wilderness. (Matthew 15:32-38). The great fish catch. (Luke 5:4-6, John 21:6). Anointed and healed the blind man. (John 9:1-7). Raised Lazarus from the dead. (John 11:11-44). And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him. (Mark 1:34). Jesus healed many people that were ill with various diseases. He cast out demons on the ones who were possessed. As he cast out the demons, he shut them up so they could not speak, because they knew He was the Son of God. "Jesus muzzled the demons so they could not entice anyone."  

 

Jesus is the Tree of Life. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. (Revelation 2:7). Do you have an ear to hear? To everyone that overcomes and is victorious, "He will give the tree of life which is Christ." (Paradise is the Garden of God). And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. (Revelation 22:1). This is a spiritual water of life that is pouring fourth in front of the throne. The book of Ezekiel speaks of "Living Waters," as Ezekiel was shown the vision of the temple. (Chapter 47:1-12). (Chapter 40 till the end of Ezekiel speaks of the end times millennium and the eternity). In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. (Revelation 22:2). The tree of life is Christ that will spiritually heal the nations. Keep in mind the word nations. (Ethnos, ethnic gentile people). All people will be included. (A never ending healing and feeding to the people who overcome). Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. (Revelation 22:14). Those keeping His commandments and doing His work, will have the right to enter in through the gates of the city. (Those with the seal of God).

Jesus the Lamb of God Savior of the world. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16). This verse needs no interpretation. No doubt, one of the most important scriptures written in the bible. However, the key here is "believe in Him." To Me, you must get to know someone before you can believe in them. You get to know Christ through the Word. "His written personality if you will." And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. (John 12:46). Even though Jesus will be judge of the world, He did not come to judge people and send them to hell, His purpose was to come and save people from hell. (John 3:17, Luke 19:10, 1 John 4:14). Jesus is the atoning sacrifice (Lamb of God), for our sins. (1 John 2:2). He wants us to come to the knowledge of truth. (1 Timothy 2:4).

Our Lord Jesus Christ is patient with us. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9). The Lord is not being slow about His return and promise of eternal life, He is just being patient for our sake. His will is that everyone come to repentance and no one should perish. He wants everyone to believe in Him, "He just wants our love." (Hosea 6:6). For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23). It is your choice. The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God leads to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. (John 4:36). Make the call. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Romans 10:13). Call on the name of the Lord, "Jesus Christ does the saving."

Through Christ we have the Seal of God. Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. (2 Timothy 2:19). God's truth stands firm, and only God's truth. God knows who are His (those whith the seal), and who teaches the truth. All who belong to God must turn away from these evil teachings and tradition of men. And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads. (Revelation 9:4). We are speaking of the Locust army of the end times. The locust army is commanded to hurt only those without the seal of God in their minds. What is the seal of God? "The Word of God." A working knowledge of the Word and God's overall plan, so you cannot be tempted, or deceived by Satan and receive his mark. This mark is known as "The Mark of The Beast." And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. (Revelation 22:4). This is the seal of God; In Their Minds!

He is a life changer. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17). When you believe and accept Christ you belong to Him and become a new person. The old life is gone and a new life has begun. (Matthew 9:16-17, Romans 6:4-6). Jesus gives us light. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. (James 1:17). All good and perfect things come from God. "The Father of light." Christians are people of light, not darkness. "Don't follow the dark side." Jesus renews our Spirit. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. (2 Corinthians 4:16). A true Christian never gives up. Even though our flesh bodies grow old and weak, our spirit is being renewed every day when you stay in God's Word. (Psalm 51:10, Ephesians 4:23, Titus 3:5). Jesus gives us strength. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Philippians 4:13). Jesus offers you eternal life. And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. (Matthew 19:29). If you put yourself out for me and put me first over family, friends, money and property, you will inherit eternal life. (You will have a new spiritual family in Christ).

Jesus is your closes friend. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.( John 15:13). There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friend. Christ laid down His life for us, because we are His friend. (John 10:11, John 10:15, Romans 5:6-8, Ephesians 5:2, 1 John 4:7-11). The key here is to treat others like you would like to be treated. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. (John 15:14). Keep the commandments of God and it shows that you are a friend of Jesus. (1 John 5:3, James 2:23). Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. (John 15:15). This word Servant is "doulos" Strong's #G1401 meaning "a slave" and would read: I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn't confide in His slaves. Now you are My friend, since I confide in you by telling you everything the Father told Me. Now, In (Mark 10:43), Jesus encourages us to embrace the role of a servant. But here, Jesus shows us that our relationship with Him goes beyond servant. "He calls us friend." Jesus takes care of His own. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13). You are never tempted with more than you can handle in life. "God will always show you a way out when your in trouble."

Jesus sends the comforter. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Jesus gives us the opportunity to receive the Holy Spirit (Comforter), who will never leave us. The "Holy Spirit" another part (or office) of Christ. (1 John 2:1). John was telling us this so we would stay away from sin. But if we sin, we have someone to plead for our sins which is Jesus Christ. All of us will sin at times in these flesh bodies, and we must repent. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (John 14:26). But, when the Father sends the Comforter (Holy Spirit), as a representative, He will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. The office of the "Holy Spirit." (Matthew 12:32, Mark 3:29, Luke 2:26, Acts 1:16).

Jesus is the worlds judge. Authority has been given to the Son of God. For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son. (John 5:22). The Heavenly Father judges no one. He has given the Son absolute authority to judge. (Acts 10:42, 2 Corinthians 5:10, 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10, 2 Timothy 4:1). And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. (John 5:27). The Heavenly Father has given Jesus all authority to judge everyone because He is the Son of Man. (Daniel 7:13-14). Believe in Jesus or believe not. And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. (John 12:47). Jesus did not come to judge people and send them to hell, His purpose was to come and save people from hell. (John 3:17, Luke 19:10, 1 John 4:14). However, what happens to those who do not believe? He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. (John 12:48). All who reject Jesus and His message will be judged on the day of judgment. (Romans 2:16, 2 Thessalonians 1:8). What day? The Lords day; when God, through Christ Jesus, will judge everyone's secret life. "You can't hide anything from God and we will all stand before Him at judgment day." (Revelation 20:11-15).

God's elect will judge with Christ. And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. (Matthew 19:28). When the Messiah, shall sit upon His glorious throne in the Kingdom, all His disciples (the true believers), will sit with Jesus to judge the twelve tribes of Israel. (Revelation 21:12-14).

All nations will be gathered for judgment. When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory. (Matthew 25:31). When the Messiah comes in His glory and sits upon His throne at the second advent. Those remaining will receive their reward according to his works. (Matthew 16:27). And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats. (Matthew 25:32). This word nations here is "Ethnos" Strong's #1484 in the Greek, meaning non-Jewish or the Gentile people. And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. (Matthew 25:33). Make note that the sheep are on the right, as Christ sits on the right hand of God, and the goats are on the left. The sheep are the good people (believers), and the goats (strong's G2055 "eriphion" symbolically wicked person), represent the wicked people or non-believers. (This has nothing to do with the politics of conservative or liberal like many try to make it). There are good and bad people in both parties, so don't listen to a bunch of idiots saying that one party is spiritually better than the other.

God is the judge, so don't judge others. Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door. (James 5:9). Don't fight among each other, because God stands at the door as judge. (You do not want to become divided like this country today). "The whole country is in confusion." All will be judged by Jesus Christ in the end times. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. (2 Corinthians 5:10). We will all stand before Christ to be judged. Written in the book of life. He will judge us for the good, or evil we have done in these earthly bodies. (Romans 6:12-13, Revelation 20:12, 20:13, 22:12). No one goes un-judged.

Rewards come with judgment. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:8). The crown of righteousness is for those who look forward to the return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at the second advent. Many may fear the return of Christ, but it is rewards and blessings for the workers in the army of Christ.

Jesus Christ returns with judgment upon the nations. And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. (Revelation 19:11). Yes... He is the real thing, and Jesus is the one who justly punishes and makes war. (Zechariah 9:10). He will make peace among the nations of the world.

Keep the faith,
Barton